TransLink Plans Replacement for Historic Westham Island Bridge

TransLink, the public transit authority in Metro Vancouver, has initiated plans to replace the historic Westham Island Bridge, built in 1910. This bridge spans the south arm of the Fraser River, connecting Ladner to Westham Island, an area primarily used for farming and natural conservation. As one of only four vehicle bridges under TransLink’s ownership, it is notably the narrowest, featuring a single-lane wood-deck truss design that measures 325 metres in length and stands 4.4 metres above the river.

The bridge includes a steel swing span that opens up to eight times daily to accommodate marine traffic, including fishing boats and houseboats. However, despite its historical significance, the bridge is rapidly deteriorating. Over the past decade, TransLink has invested in maintaining and rehabilitating the aging structure. Beginning in early 2026, additional repairs are planned, including improvements to the swing span, scour protection, and the timber piers and decking.

The Westham Island Bridge’s age poses significant challenges. Originally designed for a lifespan of 60 years, it is now 115 years old. Its low clearances restrict access for semi-trucks, which are essential for the local agricultural sector. Additionally, the lack of pedestrian and cycling pathways further limits its usability. The swing-span mechanism has been known to freeze during sub-zero temperatures, resulting in delays for marine traffic that must then take lengthy detours.

In response to the urgent need for a new crossing, TransLink conducted a bidding process this past summer to select a design and engineering team for the replacement bridge. The authority received nine proposals, with a contract award anticipated before the end of 2025. The selected consultant will collaborate with TransLink and the City of Delta to develop the concept design and conduct technical investigations, alongside public consultations.

TransLink has allocated $2 million for rehabilitation work on the existing bridge in 2026 and $3 million for the planning and design of the new bridge. Currently, there is no established timeline or cost estimate for the construction of the replacement crossing.

Historically, before the construction of the current bridge, Westham Island was linked to the mainland by a ferry service that began operating in the 1800s. The bridge has also appeared in various film and television productions over the years, contributing to its cultural significance.

In addition to the Westham Island Bridge, TransLink manages several other major crossings, including the Knight Street Bridge, the Golden Ears Bridge, and the original Pattullo Bridge. With the anticipated decommissioning of the old Pattullo Bridge set for early 2026, following the opening of its replacement, TransLink will have one less major crossing to oversee, resulting in significant annual operating and maintenance cost savings.

Looking ahead, the provincial government and the Vancouver Airport Authority are exploring plans for a replacement of the aging Moray Bridge, which serves as a crucial connection between Richmond’s main island and Vancouver International Airport. This bridge, with its two lanes of eastbound-only traffic, is essential for linking Vancouver to areas south of the Fraser River via the Arthur Laing Bridge.

As plans for the Westham Island Bridge replacement progress, it highlights the ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure while preserving essential connections for communities in the region.